Nash’s historic Boyne Task Force Bill to be debated in the Dáil tomorrow
Nash’s historic Boyne Task Force Bill to be debated in the Dáil tomorrow - The Labour Party
An historic bill aimed at protecting the future of the Boyne River which Labour Deputy Ged Nash said would not only ensure a bright future for the Boyne but serve as an example as to how to manage our precious water courses, across the country, will be debated in the Dail tomorrow, Thursday January 22.
The Taskforce would co-ordinate the efforts of four separate councils, regulators, government, Uisce Eireann, local landowners, NGOs and community activists, for the benefit of this vital local waterway and the local natural environment.
Deputy Nash said:
“This Bill, if enacted, will provide for one key statutory voice and power for the Boyne. It will establish a Task Force with legal status which will involve all local authorities in the catchment area, experts and local interests to help determine the future of our river from an environmental, social, economic and cultural perspective.
“For more than a year, I worked with inspirational campaigners from all walks of life in groups like Save the Boyne and others like the Boyne River Trust to identify how we can improve the water quality and protect the biodiversity that depends on our river. We have listened carefully to those who live, work and depend on this river every day.
“We have all seen the deterioration in the water quality of the Boyne and the EPA is not mincing its words when it says that the quality of the water in the Boyne and our rivers nationally is not good enough. We have to take action and fast.
“All of the wastewater treatment plants that operate along the Boyne must be reviewed and upgraded at a minimum. Lessons abound too from the Dawn Meats application. We need to look at the new reality of what exactly this river can handle so that we do not destroy it. Since I moved the Bill at First Stage the future of our watercourses have been further threatened by the further extension of the derogation on the EU Nitrates Directive.
“For too long we have turned our back on the River Boyne. Since Drogheda’s foundation, the river was the very lifeblood of our community and we need to value it and protect it properly.
“Neither have we treated our river and the flora and fauna that depends on a healthy waterway, with the respect it deserves. Pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change are the prices we are paying for years of neglect and confused management.
“I am honoured to take the bill to Second Stage in the Dail tomorrow. I and my Labour colleagues will continue a process of engagement on the Bill with local groups and activists who care about our river.”
ENDS
Rising in Co Kildare, The Boyne River flows through the counties of Offaly, Meath and Louth. It is arguably the most historically significant river in the country as it winds its way through the landscape of Irish history and pre-history, daring back as far as the first settlers in Ireland.
The Bill can be read in full here: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2023/47/